PPE is defined in the Regulations as ‘all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety’, eg safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.
Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations are not covered by these Regulations because other regulations apply to them. However, these items need to be compatible with any other PPE provided.
The Regulations require PPE to be:
properly assessed before use to ensure its suitability for the work being done;
maintained and stored properly;
provided with adequate instruction on how to use it safely;
and worn correctly by the user.
Full details on the revised guidance on the law and regulations relating to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992) can be found at the Health & Safety Executive website